1) Melbourne Storm- Their lesser lights will be rested. The big 3 maybe a year older but they are still 3 of the best 6 players in the world. Cam Smith's decision is the only thing that can de-rail them in my opinion.
2) Sydney Roosters- The WCC is in Aus in 2014, meaning that the roosters can basically treat it as a trial game to some extent. Supremely talented roster. Injuries may be their only concern.
3) Manly Sea Eagles- When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Sure they lose some forward depth again, but have bought smart, and surely cannot have the injuries that they had last year. Or can they. I think they're a rung below the top 2, but only just.
4) South Sydney Rabbitohs- I think they'll start slower than they did last year. Souths 2013 are Melbourne 2006 or St George 2009. It's feasible that they storm home. Can beat all the top 3, and if in position, will be short priced come finals.
5) Penrith Panthers- Really like the look of this side next year. A great blend of youth and experience, coupled with the coach who I think is just as good as Bellamy, Hasler, Maguire. Next year is James Segeyaro's break out I believe. I may also be alone here, but I don't mind the Wallace/Soward pairing at club level. I think their attributes compliment each other, and Gus and Cleary are the kind of blokes who could get both firing again.
6) Canterbury Bulldogs- I think they'll be a happier side next year. I'm not sold on Hoffman being the solution to their problems (I thought that Kevin Locke would have been perfect for them) but still their forwards, together with a few exciting juniors should see them have a solid season. The halfback is a concern.
7) Newcastle Knights- The only thing thing that prevents me from having them higher is that Buderus was so important to them last year. And the wheels really came off when he got hurt in that Prelim. I know that Gidley is a great replacement at 9, and I hear good things about Clydesdale, but can you really replace a champion?
8) Canberra Raiders- Canberra are that team that seem to have a bad year, then a good year, then a bad year, then a good year. They are due a good year this year. Have a surprisingly good roster. The major question is the effect that the Milford situation has on the rest of the team.
Canberra also fall into the 8 by virtue of process of elimination. I don't see the Sharks or Cowboys making the 8 this year, the broncos I still believe are not a top 8 side and nor are the titans. The dragons and tigers are a year away still.
The warriors are the dark horses, and I can never get a line on them, so I don't try but they could be first and they could be last.
Parramatta are sadly no chance, yet again.
2) Sydney Roosters- The WCC is in Aus in 2014, meaning that the roosters can basically treat it as a trial game to some extent. Supremely talented roster. Injuries may be their only concern.
3) Manly Sea Eagles- When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Sure they lose some forward depth again, but have bought smart, and surely cannot have the injuries that they had last year. Or can they. I think they're a rung below the top 2, but only just.
4) South Sydney Rabbitohs- I think they'll start slower than they did last year. Souths 2013 are Melbourne 2006 or St George 2009. It's feasible that they storm home. Can beat all the top 3, and if in position, will be short priced come finals.
5) Penrith Panthers- Really like the look of this side next year. A great blend of youth and experience, coupled with the coach who I think is just as good as Bellamy, Hasler, Maguire. Next year is James Segeyaro's break out I believe. I may also be alone here, but I don't mind the Wallace/Soward pairing at club level. I think their attributes compliment each other, and Gus and Cleary are the kind of blokes who could get both firing again.
6) Canterbury Bulldogs- I think they'll be a happier side next year. I'm not sold on Hoffman being the solution to their problems (I thought that Kevin Locke would have been perfect for them) but still their forwards, together with a few exciting juniors should see them have a solid season. The halfback is a concern.
7) Newcastle Knights- The only thing thing that prevents me from having them higher is that Buderus was so important to them last year. And the wheels really came off when he got hurt in that Prelim. I know that Gidley is a great replacement at 9, and I hear good things about Clydesdale, but can you really replace a champion?
8) Canberra Raiders- Canberra are that team that seem to have a bad year, then a good year, then a bad year, then a good year. They are due a good year this year. Have a surprisingly good roster. The major question is the effect that the Milford situation has on the rest of the team.
Canberra also fall into the 8 by virtue of process of elimination. I don't see the Sharks or Cowboys making the 8 this year, the broncos I still believe are not a top 8 side and nor are the titans. The dragons and tigers are a year away still.
The warriors are the dark horses, and I can never get a line on them, so I don't try but they could be first and they could be last.
Parramatta are sadly no chance, yet again.
